Introduction to Quincy, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts city of Quincy is located in Norfolk County, only 11 miles south of the capital city of Boston and about 42 miles northeast of the Rhode Island state capital of Providence. Neighboring towns include Weymouth (to the east), Braintree and Randolph (to the south), and Dedham (to the west). Situated on what is commonly referred to as the "South Shore," the area south of Boston extending along the coast down to Cape Cod, Quincy is close enough to the state capital to still be considered part of the Boston metropolitan region. Often called the "City of Presidents," Quincy is the birthplace of both John Adams (second President of the United States) and John Quincy Adams (the nation's sixth President).
Pronounced "Quinzy," the city was named after Colonel John Quincy, great-grandfather of John Quincy Adams. Originally part of what is now the neighboring town of Braintree, Quincy was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1792 and made a city in 1888. During the 19th century the city's primary industry was granite quarrying, but by the 20th century Quincy became a leading shipbuilding center. Two notable chains which were founded in the city and got their start here are Howard Johnson's and Dunkin Donuts.
Things to See and Do in Quincy
Rich in historic treasures, Quincy's impressive past remains vibrant today in the form of its fascinating historic sites. The Adams National Historical Park commemorates the accomplishments of the distinguished men and women of the Adams family. The park includes the family home and the farmhouse where both presidents were born. The Hancock Cemetery, located near City Hall, includes graves of generations of the Adams and Quincy families. The Josiah Quincy House, originally a country estate, is the former home of Josiah Quincy, a high-status Revolutionary War leader. The Thomas Crane Public Library, a national architectural landmark, recently underwent a three-year restoration and renovation. The USS Salem & the U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum showcases one of the nation's great warships, and contains exhibits depicting shipboard life and artifacts relating to military equipment and records.
The city of Boston and its many world-class attractions are just a few minutes away. Here are just some of the points of interest this historic city has to offer:
- The Boston Science Museum
- Franklin Park Zoo
- The Boston Common
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library and Museum
- Bunker Hill Monument
- The USS Constitution
- Prudential Center
- The Boston Symphony Orchestra
- The Boston Pops
- The Museum of Fine Arts
- Old North Church
- The Boston Children's Museum
- New England Aquarium
- Faneuil Hall
- The Freedom Trail
- John Hancock Tower
- Paul Revere House
One of Boston's premier annual events is the running of the Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon, which takes place every April and draws upwards of 20,000 runners annually. Boston is also the site of major league professional sports action, as the home town of several teams. Calling Boston home are baseball's Red Sox, basketball's Celtics (NBA), hockey's Bruins (NHL), and lacrosse's Cannons (MLL). Professional football and soccer can be found thirty minutes south in the town of Foxboro, home to the NFL's N.E. Patriots and MLS's N.E. Revolution.